FORMER Wallabies halfback Luke Burgess wants to return to Australia and cut short his time with French club Toulouse.

It is understood Burgess, who left for France after the World Cup last year, is looking for a home with an Australian Super Rugby franchise if he can secure a release from the French club.

The Melbourne Rebels and the Brumbies are both interested in Burgess, although the Brumbies have three halfbacks in Nic White, Ian Prior and Mark Swanepoel, who is on a one-year extended playing squad contract.

The earliest Burgess could return to Australia would be May, when the French season ends.

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The Waratahs are also a possibility, with a free spot in their roster following the departure of Sam Lane, who was on an EPS contract. It is understood there have been no discussions about the prospect at coaching and management level.

The Force are not interested, it is understood, and the Reds have starting Wallabies halfback Will Genia in the position.

Toulouse are understood to be open to the idea of an early release but want to find a replacement for Burgess before agreeing to an amicable parting.

The ARU is aware of his intentions. Wallabies coach Robbie Deans would no doubt be delighted if Burgess came to Australia; Deans has made clear his regard for the former Waratahs No.9 and last year sounded out the player about an early return.

But the plan is understood to have originated from Burgess, who recently welcomed his first child into the world with wife Emilie.

The couple are keen to return to Australia to continue raising their family here, it is understood.

Burgess last year told Fairfax Media, before the birth of his daughter, that he was happy in France but was "tempted" by the prospect of playing for the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions when they tour here in June.

"I’m tempted, I’ll say that. I haven’t ruled it out, or in,’’ he said in November. ‘‘The Lions are a big thing for any rugby player, so I’m tempted, but you can’t always give in to temptation. We’re expecting a baby next week so my decisions aren’t my own any more, I’ve got to consider my family and the career that I have left."